1. Religion

2. Who is in Control Wealthy families controlled the Catholic Church
Used the church to advance their families power and influence

3. The Inquisition

4. The Inquisition A court for the detection of heretics
Used torture to identify Jewish and Muslims who pretended to convert to Christianity for purposes of political or social advantage and secretly practiced their former religion.

5. Power Corrupts
Church officials living a life of luxury by taxing the poor
Sold church jobs to the highest bidder
High church officials involved themselves with politics
Allow people to buy their way into heaven by giving large amounts of money or power to the church

6. The Reformers
People who wanted to fix the corruption within the church
Most who criticized the church were labeled as heretics who were excommunicated, arrested, and tortured

7. The Reformation
Oct 31st 1517 Martin Luther wrote a list of grievances against the church and nailed them a church door in Germany
attacked the corruption in the Catholic Church
This list was copied and handed out in various languages to help spread his ideas
- Printing press!!!!!

8. New Ideas for a New Age
The Bible was translated from Latin to various European languages
This helped people read for themselves and make their own conclusions about the church and laws